We stayed in the hot springs until midnight last night and then went back again at 5 to watch the sunrise. This place at night time is just magical. Starry skies, bright moon, steam coming off the pools, lighted pathways and trees, and had the place almost to ourselves. Pure Heaven.
We soaked until noon then headed off over the San Juan Skyway. We’ve done this drive 2 or 3 times before, but never in the fall. We now rate this as the number one best drive we’ve ever done. After 15 years of road trips that is saying a lot!
Every turn on the 79 miles drive was breathtaking. The Aspen were in full display against the blue skies. It was surprisingly warm for a fall day, close to 80! We climbed over several passes, the highest 11075 ft. Once again we were amazed at the lack of guardrails on some REALLY steep drop-offs - gulp.
Looking down on the town of Ouray. Quaint little town, 1880’s buildings and a pretty awesome looking municipal hot spring. Great place to bring the family.
There are several abandoned mining towns that hug the road.
Silverton was founded in 1876 and spared the fires that wiped out old mining towns along the way. Today it’s a tourist town catering to skiers, ATVs, mountain bikers and sportsmen.
Loved stopping along the way and reading about all the history in the area. This is at one of the passes. Do we look relaxed and well hydrated??
For the next two nights we are staying at Pagosa Riverside Campground. We nabbed a sweet spot right on the San Juan River. Tomorrow our plans are to spend the day at Pagosa Resort and Spa.
